ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that a notion of judgement is a necessary component of an adequate non-algorithmic account of rational scientific theory choice. It discusses a rough sketch of the notion of judgement. The chapter also discusses a further analysis of judgement and analyses the account of judgement proposed by Harold Brown. It argues that judgement is required in rational theory choice due to the existence within science of multiple methodological criteria. The chapter suggests that any appeal to criteria for rational support must rest on judgement, or lead to infinite regress. It explains the rational acceptance of theory on the basis of methodological criteria involves judgement on pain of infinite regress. The chapter suggests that judgement is necessary in rational theory choice due to the existence of multiple methodological criteria. Rational theory acceptance cannot be based on appeal to infinite metacriteria. The chapter provides an objection to the idea that judgement plays a role in rational theory choice.
